Data verification method and semiconductor memory

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor memory device storing multi-bit write data and a related method of verifying data programmed to a memory cell are disclosed. The method compares a write data reference bit selected from the write data with a corresponding external data bit indicative of an intended write data bit value, and verifies a target bit selected from the write data only upon a positive comparison between the write data reference bit and the corresponding external data bit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0007245 filed on Jan. 23, 2007, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a data verification method operative within a semiconductor memory device. More particularly, the invention relates to a data verification method and semiconductor memory device for selectively verifying data written in a memory cell based on a data value.

2. Description of Related Art

Non-volatile memory devices capable of performing electrical erasing and programming operations may preserve data even when electrical power is interrupted. Flash memory is one representative example of contemporary non-volatile memory devices.

Each memory cell in a flash memory comprises a cell transistor including a control gate, a floating gate, a source, and a drain. The cell transistor is programmed or erased using an electrical charge transfer mechanism called Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling.

An erase operation for the cell transistor is performed by applying a ground voltage to the control gate and a voltage higher than the source voltage to the constituent semiconductor substrate or transistor bulk. Under this erase bias condition, a strong electric field is formed between the floating gate and bulk due to a large voltage difference between these two elements, thus electrons stored on the floating gate migrate to the bulk due to the F-N tunneling effect. In this case, the threshold voltage of the erased cell transistor is changed in a negative direction.

A program operation for the cell transistor is performed by applying a voltage higher than the source voltage to the control gate and applying ground voltage to the drain and bulk. Under this program bias condition, electrons are injected onto the floating gate of the cell transistor due to the F-N tunneling effect. In this case, the threshold voltage of the programmed cell transistor is changed in a positive direction.

Figure (FIG.) 1 is a collection of related diagrams further illustrating the general structure and operation of a memory cell in a conventional non-volatile memory device.

Referring to FIG. 1, and continuing with the working example described above, electrons are accumulated on the floating gate FG of the memory cell during a program operation, and are removed from the floating gate FG during an erase operation. As a result, the threshold voltage of the memory cell transistor following a program operation is greater than 0V, but is less than 0V following an erase operation.

Recently, much research has been conducted in regard to multi-level flash memory in which a plurality of data bits (i.e., two or more) are stored in a single memory cell in order to improve integration of flash memory. A memory cell storing the multi-bit data is referred to as a multi-level cell. On the other hand, a memory cell storing a single bit data is referred to as a single-level cell. A multi-level cell stores multi-bit data using two or more threshold voltage distributions corresponding to two or more data storage states. A case where two-bit data is stored in the multi-level cell is illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein single bit data stored in a single-level cell is illustrated in FIG. 1. However, three or more bits of data may be stored in the multi-level cell.

A conventional multi-level cell storing the two-bit data is capable of being programmed into one of four data states which correspond to stored data values of 01, 10, and 00. The data state corresponding to a stored data value of 11 is commonly designated as an erase state, whereas the data states corresponding to 10, and 00 are programmed states.

Voltage levels associated with the four data states correspond to threshold voltage distributions for the multi-level cell. For example, assuming the threshold the data states 11, 01, 10, and 00 correspond to the threshold voltage distributions VTH1˜VTH2, VTH3˜VTH4, VTH5˜VTH6, and VTH7˜VTH8, respectively. That is, a threshold voltage of the multi-level cell corresponds to one of the threshold voltage distributions VTH1˜VTH2, VTH3˜VTH4, VTH5˜VTH6, and VTH7˜VTH8, and two-bit data corresponding to one of the data states 11, 01, 10, and 00 is stored in the multi-level cell.

The diagrams shown in FIG. 2 further illustrates the programming of multiple data states (1^(st) through 4^(th)) in relation to respective electron accumulations on a floating gate FG formed between a transistor bulk (e.g., a P+ substrate) and a control gate CG. FIG. 3 is a related graph illustrating changes in threshold voltage distributions in relation to a multi-level cell.

Referring FIG. 2, an erase (or first) state is defined as one in which few (e.g., a practical minimum) electrons are accumulated on the floating gate FG of the multi-level cell. The various program states (second through fourth) are defined by progressively more electrons accumulated on the floating gate FG. As the quantity of charge accumulates on the floating gate FG, the threshold voltage of the multi-level cell increases. Thus, the threshold voltage distributions for the multi-level cell increase from the erase state through the various program states in accordance with the quantity of charge accumulated on the floating gate.

As is well understood in the art, once multi-bit data has been written to a multi-level cell, said data must be verified. That is, the actual threshold voltage of the multi-level cell is verified following a program operation to determine whether it is consistent with an intended data state.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, multi-bit data (e.g., 4-bit data) is stored in a multi-level cell and may be verified by using reference threshold voltage levels a1, a3, a5, a7, a9, a11, a13, a15, b1, b3, b5, b7, b9, b11, b13, and b15. These reference threshold voltage levels are disposed in relation to defined threshold voltage distributions for the multi-level cell and may be used to determine whether an actual threshold voltage is consistent with an intended data state. For example, if write data (i.e., data intended to be stored in a multi-level memory cell) is 0001, it must be determined whether the actual threshold voltage for the multi-level cell following the incident program operation is properly established between the reference threshold voltage levels a7 and b7.

However, in a conventional approach to programmed data verification, the threshold voltage of the multi-level cell must be sequentially compared to all of the reference threshold voltages. Thus, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the actual threshold voltage of the multi-level cell must be compared all sixteen (16) reference threshold voltage levels a1, a3, a5, a7, a9, a11, a13, a15, b1, b3, b5, b7, b9, b11, b13, and b15. Thus, as the number of data bits in the programmed data rises and the corresponding number of reference threshold voltages rises accordingly, the conventional approach to verifying an actual threshold voltage increases dramatically. At some point, depending on related memory system performance characteristics and requirements, this conventional approach will fail to operate sufficiently fast to allow effective data verification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a data verification method for selectively and adaptively verifying write data in a multi-bit memory cell based on the value of the write data.

Embodiments of the invention also provide a semiconductor memory device capable of selectively and adaptively verifying write data in a multi-bit memory cell by selectively activating a page buffer in relation to the value of the write data.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of verifying multi-bit write data programmed to a multi-level memory cell, method comprising; comparing a write data reference bit selected from the write data programmed to the memory cell with a corresponding external data bit indicative of an intended write data bit value, and verifying a target bit selected from the write data excluding the write data reference bit only upon a positive comparison between the write data reference bit and the corresponding external data bit.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of verifying N-bit write data programmed to a multi-level memory cell, method comprising; comparing M write data reference bits selected from the N-bit write data programmed to the memory cell, where M is less than N, with a corresponding M external data bits, and verifying P target bits selected from the write data excluding the write data reference bit, where M+P is equal to N, only upon a positive comparison between the M write data reference bits and the corresponding M external data bits.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a semiconductor memory device comprising; a multi-level memory cell, and a page buffer configured to program write data to and read programmed data from the memory cell, wherein the page buffer is further configured to conditionally perform a write data verification in relation to a target bit selected from the write data in relation to a comparison between a write data reference bit selected from the write data and a corresponding external data bit indicative of an intended write data value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a collection of diagrams illustrating the structure and operation of a single bit memory cell in a conventional non-volatile memory device;

FIG. 2 is a collection of diagrams illustrating the structure and operation of a multi-bit memory cell in a conventional non-volatile memory device;

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating exemplary threshold voltage distributions for a multi-level cell in a conventional non-volatile memory device;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a semiconductor memory device capable of selectively verifying write data in relation to the value of the write according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a page buffer operative within the semiconductor memory device illustrated in FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart summarizing a data verification method for selectively verifying write data in relation to its value according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram further describing a data verification method according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram further describing a data verification method according to a comparative example including an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings and written description, like reference numbers and indicators are used to denote like or similar elements. The illustrated embodiments are presented at teaching examples while the scope of the invention is defined by the attached claims.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a semiconductor memory device capable of selectively verifying write data in a multi-level memory cell in relation to the value of the write data consistent with an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the semiconductor memory device includes one or more memory cells (not shown) arranged in relation to a plurality of page buffers PB1-PBn. Where write data (e.g., one or more bits of write data) written to the memory cells is identical to external data ED1-EDn applied to the plurality of the page buffers PB1-PBn, the write data is verified within plurality of the page buffers PB1-PBn. Thus, the external data ED1-EDn will have the same number of bits as the number of write data bits programmed by each one of the plurality of the page buffers PB1-PBn.

In contrast, if the write data is not identical to the corresponding external data ED1-EDn, the plurality of page buffers PB1-PBn will not verify the write data. Write data verification may be made in relation to one or more bits of write data. For example, when the three lower (i.e., less significant) bits of 4-bit write data are compared to external data ED1-EDn and found to be identical to three corresponding bits of external data ED1-EDn, then the fourth (i.e., the most significant bit—MSB) of the 40 bit write data may be effectively verified in terms of whether it has been correctly programmed to the memory cell. On the other hand, if the three lower bits are not identical to the corresponding external data ED1-EDn, the verification of the MSB need not be performed.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram further illustrating one of the plurality of page buffers operative within the semiconductor memory device of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 5, the page buffer PB1 illustrated in FIG. 4 will be exemplarily described.

As indicated in FIG. 4, each one of the plurality of page buffers comprises a latch unit LU and a comparison unit COMPU. The latch unit LU generally latches certain “write data reference bits” from the write data being written to a corresponding multi-level memory cell. The one or more bits of write data not designated as write data reference bits are termed the target write data bit(s). The comparison unit COMPU compares, bit-for-bit, the write data reference bits stored in a corresponding latch unit LU with a corresponding number external data bits ED1-EDn.

FIG. 5 further illustrates a first latch unit LU1 and a first comparison unit COMPU1 within first page buffer PB1 of FIG. 4. In the working example of FIG. 5, first latch unit LU1 and first comparison unit COMPU1 are assumed to operate in relation to three (3) write data reference bits to gate (enable/disable) the operation of a verification operation in relation to a single target write data bit. Thus, first latch unit LU1 comprises first through third latches LATCH1-LATCH3, respectively associated with and storing the three write data reference bits. First comparison unit COMPU1 similarly comprises first through third comparators COMP1-COMP3, respectively comparing one write data reference bit with a corresponding bit of external data ED1-EDn.

In page buffer PB1 each comparator is arranged to receive complementary external data signals (e.g., ED1 and nED1) and latched data from a corresponding latch (e.g., LATCH1). The data bits stored in the plurality of latches may be read from the corresponding memory cell. As is conventional, first page buffer PB1 may also write the write data to a corresponding memory cell.

According to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, first page buffer PB1 is capable of enabling or disabling a subsequently applied write verification operation related to the target bit (e.g., the MSB) stored in the memory cell in relation to the three write data reference bits compared in the first comparator COMPU1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart summarizing a data verification method for selectively verifying multi-level write data written in a memory cell in relation to the value of the data according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the illustrated data verification method, multi-bit write data is first written in a multi-level memory cell (S610). Thereafter, one or more bits of the write data are read from the memory cell by a corresponding page buffer as write data reference bit(s) (S620). The write data reference bits are then latched in the corresponding page buffer (S630). The latched write data reference bits are then compared to corresponding bits of external data (S640). One or more target bits of write data are then verified, or not, based on the comparison result between the external data bits and the write data reference bits (S650). Assuming a positive comparison between the external data bits and the write data reference bits, the target bit(s) are verified using conventional techniques, and the all bits of the write data are stored in the memory cell (S660). Where the comparison of the external data bits and the write data reference bits is negative (i.e., is not bit for bit identical) the verification operation related to the target bit(s) (S650) is not performed.

Write data bits may be sequentially read and latched in operations S620 and S630 above.

The target bit may be any one or more bits of the write data. The write data reference bits may be any one or more of the write data, except the target bit(s).

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram further describing a data verification method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Continuing with the working example of three lower bits of write being used as write data reference bits and further assuming write data reference bit values of stored in a memory cell and corresponding external data values of a fourth and most significant bit of write data is verified. The MSB is verified by comparing threshold voltage distributions of the write data reference bits read from the memory cell to the reference threshold voltage level a1, as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, if the three lower bits of write data read from the memory cell are actually 011, the verification of the target MSB will not proceed beyond the comparison of the threshold voltage distributions of the memory cell to the reference threshold voltage level a1. Only if the write data reference bits faithfully correspond to the corresponding external data will the target bit verification operation proceed through the sequence of reference threshold voltages.

In this manner, a data verification method according to an embodiment of the invention will selectively (or conditionally) proceed forward with a write data verification operation only if the data value(s) associated with selected write data reference bit(s) are consistent with external data which is indicative of an intended write data value.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram further describing a data verification method according to a comparative example including an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, write data is verified for a memory cell by comparing the data to all the reference threshold voltage levels a1, a3, a5, a7, a9, a11, a13, a15, b1, b3, b5, b7, b9, b11, b13, and b15 illustrated in FIG. 3.

However, as described above, according to embodiments of the invention, the time required for data verification may be reduced by selectively verifying write data based on its value.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The exemplary embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to only the illustrated embodiments of the invention. 

1. A method of verifying multi-bit write data programmed to a multi-level memory cell, method comprising: comparing a write data reference bit selected from the write data programmed to the memory cell with a corresponding external data bit indicative of an intended write data bit value; and verifying a target bit selected from the write data excluding the write data reference bit upon a positive comparison between the write data reference bit and the corresponding external data bit.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: programming the write data in the memory cell; and reading one bit of write data as the write data reference bit from the memory cell using a page buffer corresponding to the memory cell.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: latching the write data reference bit in a latch unit within the page buffer; and applying the latched write data reference bit and the corresponding external data bit to a comparison unit in the page buffer; and comparing the write data reference bit and the corresponding external data bit in the comparison unit.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein verifying the target bit is not performed upon a negative comparison between the write data reference bit and the corresponding external data bit.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the target bit is a most significant bit or a least significant bit in the write data.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the memory cell is a non-volatile memory cell.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the memory cell is a multi-level flash memory cell.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein verifying the target bit comprises determining whether a threshold voltage distribution associated with write data reference bit is consistent with an expected threshold voltage distribution.
 9. A method of verifying N-bit write data programmed to a multi-level memory cell, method comprising: comparing M write data reference bits selected from the N-bit write data programmed to the memory cell, where M is less than N, with a corresponding M external data bits; and verifying P target bits selected from the write data excluding the write data reference bit, where M+P is equal to N, only upon a positive comparison between the M write data reference bits and the corresponding M external data bits.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: programming the N-bit write data in the memory cell; and reading the M bits of write data as the M write data reference bits from the memory cell using a page buffer corresponding to the memory cell.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: latching the M write data reference bits in a latch unit within the page buffer; and applying the latched M write data reference bits and the corresponding M external data bits to a comparison unit in the page buffer; and comparing the M write data reference bits and the corresponding M external data bits in the comparison unit.
 12. A semiconductor memory device comprising: a multi-level memory cell; and a page buffer configured to program write data to and read programmed data from the memory cell, wherein the page buffer is further configured to conditionally perform a write data verification in relation to a target bit selected from the write data in relation to a comparison between a write data reference bit selected from the write data and a corresponding external data bit indicative of an intended write data value.
 13. The semiconductor memory device of claim 12, wherein the page buffer comprises: a latch unit latching the write data reference bit; and a comparison unit receiving the corresponding external bit and comparing the write data reference bit to the corresponding external data bit.
 14. The semiconductor memory device of claim 13, wherein the write data reference bit comprises a plurality of write data reference bits and the external data bit comprises a plurality of external data bits; wherein the latch unit comprises a plurality of latches respectively configured to latch one of the plurality of write data reference bits, and the comparison unit comprises a plurality of comparators respectively configured to compare one of the plurality of write data reference bits with one of the plurality of external data bits.
 15. The semiconductor memory device of claim 12, wherein the semiconductor memory device further comprising: a plurality of multi-level memory cells. 